How to become a family support worker
You can get into this job through:
- a college course
- an apprenticeship
- volunteering
- applying directly
College
You could do a level 3 diploma in health and social care or children and young people's workforce.
Entry requirements
You'll usually need:
- 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, for a level 3 course
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Apprenticeship
An apprenticeship may help you gain the skills you need to become a family support worker.
You could complete a:
- peer worker advanced apprenticeship
- children, young people and families practitioner higher apprenticeship
- early intervention practitioner higher apprenticeship
Entry requirements
You'll usually need:
- 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and A levels, or equivalent, for a higher or degree apprenticeship
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Volunteering
You need to have experience to apply for training or jobs as a family support worker.
You can get experience by volunteering or finding paid work with:
- children's homes or youth projects
- nurseries
- family refuge centres
- probation services
- family community centres
- mental health services
You can find volunteering opportunities listed on Do It and the National Council for Voluntary Organisations (NCVO).
Direct Application
You can apply for family support worker jobs if you have:
- experience working with children, young people or families
- a minimum of a level 3 qualification in childcare, social work, social care, counselling, youth work or education
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Further information
You can find out more about careers in support work from Think Care Careers.